Columbus Day weekend on the coast brings with it perfectly-fall festivals, outdoor events and scenic tours. Stroll cobblestone byways and enjoy special deals at the annual Columbus Day sidewalk sale on Bowen's Wharf where you'll find great deals on unique items from area shops; or make your way to Portsmouth for food trucks and live music at Newport Car Museum.
Our picks for the weekend below.
COVID-19 NOTE:
When you're ready, we can't wait to welcome you back to The Classic Coast! In order for everyone to enjoy the beauty that is Newport and its surrounding coastal communities this season, local restaurants, shops and business are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of all. This includes wearing mandatory face coverings, following guidelines put in place by health and government officials, and implementing stringent cleaning practices.
All we ask when you land on these shores is that you play your part in keeping everyone safe. Please be kind, wear a mask, wash your hands and maintain six feet of social distancing from others.
ROGUE ISLAND COMEDY FESTIVAL
When: Friday, October 9 - Sunday, October 11
Where: Greenvale Vineyards
2020 looks a lot different, but the 6th Annual Rogue Island Comedy Festival will go on. Enjoy five festival shows at Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth. There will be a wine bar and food truck on-site.
COVID-19 NOTES:
All seating will be generously spaced per distance protocols. Masks/ face coverings are required. Tickets are extremely limited to adhere to state and local capacity guidelines.
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RAGGED ISLAND OKTOBERFEST
When: Thursday - Sunday through October
Where: Ragged Island Farm, 54 Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth
Ragged Island Brewing Company has teamed up with McGrath Clambakes & Catering to host a series of outdoor beer and food events on their farm during October. Each event offers a choice between two sections: the Beer Garden and the Lawn Area. n both sections, a wide variety of Ragged Island brews and pre-ordered food service provided by McGrath Clambakes & Catering are available at additional cost.
SCHEDULE:
- Thursday: 4:00 - 8:00 PM, first come first serve - no tickets required
- Friday: 4:00 - 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 2:00 - 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 - 6:00 PM
COVID-19 NOTES:
Party sizes are limited to a maximum of 6 adults (21+) in the Beer Garden Tent and a maximum of 8 people (adults and children) in the Lawn Area. Masks/face coverings are required at all times except when at your seat. All attendees are required to check-in at the Ragged Island pop up tent for a COVID-19 screening prior to entering the Beer Garden or Lawn Area.
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WINE & CHEESE SAIL
When: Monday, October 12
Where: Schooner Aurora
Bring your favorite bottle of wine and board the Aurora departing from Goat Island for a sail around the bay. Enjoy gourmet cheeses, crackers, and fruit on board.
COVID-19 NOTE:
Reservations are required as space is limited. This event will adhere to city and state COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. Please maintain six feet of social distancing. Masks/face coverings are required while boarding the boat and anytime you are not in your seat.
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FOOD TRUCKS, CRAFT BEER, LIVE MUSIC
When: Saturday, October 10; 11:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Where: Newport Car Museum
Enjoy a dozen food trucks, live music, craft beer, wine and hot cider Trinity Brewhouse at Newport Car Museum in Portsmouth. $5 per car.
COVID-19 NOTE:
This event will adhere to city and state COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. Please maintain six feet of social distancing. Masks/face coverings are required. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. Claim your own area on the grass to eat and hang out.
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GOAT HIKES
When: Saturday, October 10; 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Simmons Farm
There's nothing like a hike through the great outdoors to ease your winter blues, even if the temperatures may be a little chilly. When nature calls (literally), head over to Simmons Farm in Middletown for a two-hour goat hike around the historic family-owned farm. Led by farmer Karla and her crew of adventurous, spirited goats, you'll get your own goat to walk on a leash along the designated trail. Stop along the way to feed your goat a treat and to take in stunning views of the preserved farmland, and conclude your journey with a cup of hot chocolate.
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COLUMBUS DAY SIDEWALK SALE
When: Friday, October 9 - Monday, October 12; 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Bowen's Wharf
Shopping addicts make your way to the waterfront for specials. Walk around Bowen's Wharf for great deals on end of summer items and additions to your fall wardrobe.
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PUMPKIN PALOOZA
When: Saturday and Sunday through October 31, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Frerichs Farm & Greenhouses
Frerichs Farm & Greenhouses is hosting Pumpkin Palooza every weekend through October 31 (closed on October 10) filled with family fun. Stroll through the holiday house, enjoy make your own scarecrows, paint a pumpkin and more.
COVID-19 NOTE:
Masks/face coverings are required while at the farm. Please maintain 6 feet of social distancing.
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NEWPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL LIVE
When: Monday, October 12
Where: The Chanler at Cliff Walk
Nearly six months after making the difficult decision to cancel its summer festival for the first time in its 52-year history, the Newport Music Festival will present live concerts again October 12-14 at The Chanler at Cliff Walk. The concerts, featuring Charlie Albright (10/12), Neave Trio (10/13), and Boyd Meets Girl (10/14), will take place in a heated tent on the lawn of the Chanler.
COVID-19 NOTES:
This event will adhere to city and state COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. Masks/ face coverings are required for adults and youth 2 years of age and older.
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COASTAL QUEEN FALL FOLIAGE CRUISES
When: October 10 - 12, 11:00 AM
Where: Departs 5 Bowen's Landing, Bowen's Wharf
Revel in autumn breeze aboard a 90-minute fall foliage cruise. You'll sail through Newport Harbor while enjoying a glass of apple cider and head north in the East Passage for unobstructed views of the coast's foliage.
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ONGOING EVENTS
AUTUMN LEAVES MUSIC SERIES
When: Thursdays, Fridays, Mondays, October 1 - 30
Where: Bowen's Wharf
Enjoy live performances on the waterfront throughout October. Local shops and restaurants at Bowen’s Wharf welcome you to join the tradition of local live music, waterfront dining, shopping, and crisp autumn air in Newport this Fall.
Note: All events are weather permitting and the schedule is subject to change.
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FIRESIDE TOURS AT RAIL EXPLORERS
When: Through October
Where: Rail Explorers USA
Climb aboard pedal-powered rail bikes that travel along abandoned railroad tracks alongside the bay when you join Rail Explorers on a fall ride.
Pro Tip: Bring your own marshmallows to enjoy by the bonfire at the end of your ride.
COVID-19 NOTE:
All tours now operate with a ‘rolling’ departure: Rail bikes depart the station in 3-5 minute intervals. Rail bikes are socially-distanced for loading and unloading, and are thoroughly disinfected and cleaned between tours. Masks/face coverings are required. Please maintain at least six feet of social distancing when possible.
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GHOST TOURS
When: Nightly through October, 8:00 PM, Saturdays in November, 5:00 PM
Where: Tour departs from Mainsail Restaurant at Newport Marriott
Admission: $17 adults, $16 seniors, $10 children
Take a 90-minute lantern-led evening stroll down historic Newport's shadowy lanes and discover the ghosts, ghouls and legends of our haunted city by the sea.
COVID-19 NOTE:
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Masks/face coverings are required throughout the entirety of the tour.
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ESCOBAR'S HIGHLAND FARM CORN MAZE
When: Friday - Sunday, through November 8
Where: Escobar's Highland Farm
Admission: $10 ages 12 and up, $8 children 5-11, free for children under 4
Get lost in the 8-acre corn maze at Escobar's Highland Farm. Not to worry, they'll rescue you if you get lost.
COVID-19 NOTE:
Masks/ face coverings are required for adults and youth 2 years of age and older. Please maintain six feet of social distancing.
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HAYRIDES
When: Weekends through October
Where: Pachet Brook Tree Farm + Escobar's Highland Farm
Head to Pachet Brook Tree Farm, a 90-acre family-run farm in Tiverton, for a a 30-minute hayride through the fields and woods decorated for the season, ending at the pumpkin patch. Hayrides are also offered at Escobar's Highland Farm in Middletown.
COVID-19 NOTE:
Masks/face coverings are required throughout the entirety of the ride.
Pachet Brook Tree Farm: Hayrides are limited to groups of 8-15 people. One group per ride. Reservations required, call 401-624-4872
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